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Chapter 94: Conversation with Zen

「There is one place that comes to mind… the place called “Ruins of Silence”. I went there to monitor the movement of the magic airship at the request of His Highness Ruzark. The entrance to the ruins was guarded by golems equivalent to rank A and I couldn’t get inside. However, there is a possibility that Aun can capture it.」

「There is such a place?! Then we’ll use the time until the conference to increase our strength. Zen, can you tell me the location later?」

「Yes, of course.」

「Now then, let’s wrap up today’s discussion.

First, learn if the victims who lost their homes due to the war want to remain in Alraine or move to another city, and assign the immigrants to the other cities. As for Plainevelt, we are considering expanding the city and recruiting civil officials.

Next, regarding the prisoners of war. They will be engaged in the post-war reconstruction work of Alraine, and will be returned to Ibrudia as soon as the reconstruction work is completed. Regarding the food problem, we will ask for the cooperation of other cities and villages. Moreover, we will have to revisit this point once the last issue is resolved.

The third is the method to deal with the Emperor and the demons. Princess Luna and I will attend the “Council of the Seven Sphin Nations” that will be held in three months, and while seeking the cooperation of the other countries, we will formulate a counter strategy while also considering the possibility of assassination. Regarding this strategy, the cooperation of Black Thunder and Zen-kun will be necessary. Therefore, please try to increase your strength in the first two months, and then we will gather again about one month before the event.

I will advise His Majesty regarding the above points, and seek his approval to move according to the plan. Well, in regards to this, as long as someone doesn’t propose anything beyond the scope of these points, it should be accepted.」

「Then we, Black Thunder, will immediately head to the Ruins of Silence tomorrow. If something happens, contact us via the communication magic tool. Zen, where shall we talk after this?」

「Actually, I have something I want to show you… Will you come with me?」

In this way, the general framework for our future action was decided, and I ventured out of Alraine together with Zen.

◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

Although the discussion started early in the morning, it was already past noon by the time we left the “Golden Grape Arbor”. I was a little hungry, but talking with Zen was more important.

Following Zen, I entered a deserted forest. I didn’t feel any hostility from him at all, but in the worst case, I can just teleport away. Though I am a little wary… What exactly does he want to show me in this forest?

Since Zen is from Bukyo, I wanted to know if he knew anything about my surname, Doumeki. For that reason, I’m also glad that we came to an unpopulated place such as this.

About 20 minutes after entering the forest, Zen suddenly stopped walking.

「Come to think of it, this is the first time we’re meeting properly, so let me introduce myself. I’m Suigetsu Zen from Bukyo Kingdom.」

「I’m Aun from Black Thunder. As I said at the meeting, please call me Aun. So, what did you want to show me? You brought us all the way out here, after all…」

「Well, there are many things… but please take a look at this first.」

Saying that, Zen activated his skill and summoned a large beast.

It had a large body with a total length of about 4m, and shining white hair with black stripes. Two large fangs grew from each of its upper and lower jaws, and sharp claws extended from the tips of its four robust legs.

「A white tiger…」

「Yes. It’s my partner, Mii-chan. It’s a spirit beast called White Tiger… Let me ask you frankly, what do you think?」

「I’m not really sure how to answer that question, but… the aggressive form has a charm that overwhelms any onlookers in an instant. On the other hand, his gaze towards me is very gentle, and I can feel his intelligence and character. If I had to describe it in one word… it would be “Beauty”.」

「Ha! As expected. I’m glad I shared this secret with you… Kindred soul Aun!」

Kindred soul… No way! This guy also likes Fluffy…

「I see…now.」

Looking at Zen again, the gaze he was giving the white tiger was full of affection and trust, and yet there was a certain conviction.

Before I knew it, I was shaking hands with Zen.

「As I thought, Aun has also caught a glimpse of the truth of this world. Well, that’s only natural… Kinu-san is Aun’s partner, after all.」

「Yeah. Kinu is the best partner. So… which faction do you belong to, Zen?」

「My partner is Mii-chan. As expected, this furry neck is the best… No, but I can’t discard the tail either!」

「I know! I’m a tail person!」

What is this pleasant conversation… I feel a sense of security and fulfillment when talking with my friends, but this is different… A feeling of satisfaction that I don’t know how to express. Is this what you call a “kindred soul”?

Afterwards, we had a lively discussion regarding fluffies, but when I saw my kimono, I suddenly remembered what I came here to do.

Oh right, I have something to ask Zen. I don’t really want to, but I have to change the topic…

「Come to think of it, there was something I wanted to ask you, Zen.」

「Ask me anything, kindred friend.」

「Actually, it’s about my family name. If you know about this, you might get involved in danger. And it’s also something that I don’t want others to know…」

「Haven’t I already told Aun about my secret? Besides, I’m used to danger.」

「In that case, I won’t be reserved anymore. My surname is “Doumeki”. Do you know anything about that?」

「So you were originally from Bukyo, after all. And Doumeki is…」

「Do you know something!? Please tell me!」

「I don’t know much about the details, but…the family name Doumeki has become a legend in a certain way in Bukyo. It’s probably Aun’s blood relative. Besides, your strength makes it probable.」

「Can you tell me more…?」

「Of course. The name of that legendary person is “Doumeki Daigoku-sama”. Does that name ring a bell?」

「My… grandpa’s name. That legend–」

Then Zen told me about my grandpa, who had become a legend in Bukyo.